Playoffs? Playoffs?!! Are you kidding me? Actual Season NOT HAPPENING?!

With only seven months left until the AAFL's inaugural season, much preparation still needs to be done. Yet, it appears that from several of my sources, the AAFL may have to postpone its se It's unknown what problems the league may be encountering but here are a few possibilities:

• Communication problems- Apparently, not even the individual team franchises are aware of the league's activities
• The $1 Million question- The AAFL has paid universities up to $1 million per game to use their stadiums. How in the world does the AAFL expect to cover a $1 million expense from every game?! Advertisements, ticket sales, and TV deals are simply not enough.
• Not enough season ticket commitments-The tickets have been slightly overpriced for such a risky investment. I was told by an AAFL spokesperson that the league expects to sell out every game! This is simply not possible.
• TV?-The AAFL hopes to broadcast its games on television. The question is whether the games will be shown on an AAFL network or another station. The league hopes that by putting the games on their own network, this will take away TV timeouts. The truth is that sports networks tend to be very pricey, which tends scares off alot of cable companies (i.e. NFL network trying to get on Comcast's regular TV package). The AAFL does not have enough money or power to fund such an expensive network. Yet, they do not have many options in terms of signing with another network. The NFL will not allow NBC, ESPN, CBS, and FOX to sign an agreement with another professional football league. The options are limited. There is the Versus Network which has shown some MWC and PAC-10 college football games along with the NHL. TBS and TNT do not carry the NFL and College Football anymore. However, TNT broadcasts the NBA playoffs in the midst of the AAFL's projected season. Local networks such as SUN sports would be a good alternative. At any rate, the league needs to find a credible TV source who can provide enough funds to cover these $1 million per game costs.
• TV and tickets- Of course, the Networks are going to be skeptical about broadcasting a game in a 90,000-100,000 stadium in which only 3,000 fans show up. The league needs to lower ticket costs and provide free tickets to college students. A committed fanbase needs to be established.
• 3 year investment- This is the AAFL's surname. If the league opens its season as planned in April, the AAFL will be running in the red for the next 3 years at least. At the end of the 2010 season, the league will need to reevaluate itself to see if they are A) establishing a consistent ROE, B) bringing in new fans, and C) providing a long term forecast. If the league can accomplish these three points, they should be able succeed. However, for now, the league remains an extremely risky investment.

Last Month's Poll

What former Florida Gator should Team Florida seek?

G Zach Piller
0 (0%)

WR Jacquez Green
7 (77%)

DT Reggie McGrew
0 (0%)

P Eric Wilbur
1 (11%)

LB Mike Nattiel
1 (11%)

It wouldn't be a suprise for Team Florida to pursue Quezzie. Jacquez Green went back to school to complete his degree just a few years ago. He still has the talent and speed to excel for Team Florida.